20 Years of Blogging at Jamaipanese.com

When I started this blog in February 2006, it was intended to be an online journal where I keep track of my Japanese studies a

EkiTag: collect digital stamps at railway stations across Japan – BON BON SHOW: Episode 18

What are EkiTags, how do you collect them? Why are they cool? That and more will be covered in episode 18 of the Bon Bon Show.

JET Programme Application Tips and Advice – Statement of Purpose – BON BON SHOW: Episode 16

We are happy to be back, recording another episode of the Bon Bon Show. Happy New Year everyone and let’s talk about the

I graduated from Hiroshima University

Recently, I graduated from grad school in Japan with a Master’s degree from Hiroshima University. It seems like just a f

BON BON SHOW: Episode 13 – Moving in Japan

Today we have a very moving topic for you, one that highlights the highs, the lows and everything in between when it comes to

BON BON SHOW: Episode 11 – Summer in Jamaica, Canada and Japan

Aaron and Kirk talk about the differences of summer between Jamaica (Kirk), Canada (Aaron) and Japan (together). Background Vi

Bon Bon Show – Podcast about Japan, Video Games and more

I have worked on various podcasts and audio shows over the years. However, the Bon Bon Show is special. It’s a collabora

BON BON SHOW: Episode 10 – Chatting about Sapporo

Kirk visited Hokkaido and spent some time in Sapporo recently, while Aaron has lived in Hokkaido before. They share their thou

BON BON SHOW: Episode 8 – Japan Tour Series – Shimane

Shimane is a special part of Japan that is very underrated. Photo by Yuri Shirota on Unsplash Outro music by Amacha’s Mu

BON BON SHOW: Episode 3 – Popular Convenience Stores in Japan

Popular convenience stores (Konbini) in Japan and both of us rank our top three. Tomix Convenience Store (7-ELEVEN) N scale Ph

Volunteering at a Food Bank in Japan

Recently, as part of my work as a Hiroshima Study Abroad Ambassador, I got the opportunity to volunteer at a Food Bank in Japa

BON BON SHOW: Episode 2 – Winter in Jamaica, Canada and Japan

Winter in Jamaica, Canada and Japan plus a little bit of what we love/hate about Winter Photo by Yuri Shirota on Unsplash Vide

The Shinkansen is Fast and Flawless

Japan’s shinkansen, or bullet train, is a marvel of modern transportation technology. First introduced in 1964, the shinkans

I lost my wallet (again)

For the 2nd year running, roughly close to the same date – I lost my wallet. This time, I left it at a rest stop in Okay

STAR WARS: VISIONS – Japanese anime studios about to light things up!

September 22, 2021, will be a huuuuge day. Why? That’s when nine shorts set in the Star Wars universe from seven Japanes

Yasuke – The African samurai reimagined as a CRAZY Netflix anime series

When news broke of the new Netflix series about Yasuke – a warrior of African descent who served under Japanese daimyo O

Operation Visit Japan – a lesson about Personal Goal Setting

The year is 2010, I am living paycheck to paycheck and I didn’t realize yet that I was stuck in a cycle that would not c

Shimanami Kaido cycling adventure

Shimanami Kaido is an epic cycling route that connects Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture to Imabari City in Ehime. You can

6 Tips for Living in Japan – be mindful of these things

I have lived in Japan for a few years now and I often get questions from persons looking to move to Japan or seeking advice on

15 year Anniversary of blogging

Today marks the fifteen-year anniversary of Jamaipanese.com. While looking back at old posts and reminiscing its obvious that

Shikoku Japan Castles – I visited 5 of them

Shikoku, Japan has its fair share of castles (and castle ruins). I may have explored many shrines and temples in Shikoku but I

Shikoku Japan – Temples and Shrines

Shikoku is the fourth largest island in the Japanese archipelago and is southwest of Japan’s main island Honshu. It is d

jaPODCAST – 10: Money Manners in Japan

In the last episode, I did an interview with Dave Collymore a Jamaican who has been residing in Japan for a long time. Today,

jaPODCAST – 9: Interview: Advice from Dave – a longtime Jamaican Expat in Japan

In the last episode, I did an interview with Ariel Mathews who is from the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Ariel